NUJ members remember Lyra McKee

News

By Tim Lezard

24th April 2019 - 7:30 am

NUJ members remember Lyra McKee

NUJ members across the globe are today taking part in solidarity action with the family, friends and colleagues of Lyra McKee.

While union officials join members at Lyra’s funeral service in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, and others are attending vigils in Dublin, London and Glasgow, the NUJ is encouraging every member to take part in a symbolic action of solidarity.

A statement from the NUJ read: “Lyra’s murder on Thursday night is a devastating blow to her partner and family, and to her many friends and colleagues throughout the NUJ. We keep in our thoughts Lyra’s partner Sara, her mother Joan, sisters Nichola, Mary, Joan and her brothers Gary and David.

“If possible at 1pm, the start time for the funeral service, or at some point during the day, whether you are in a newsroom, at lunch or working alone please take a stand for journalism and encourage those around you to join in a simple gesture of solidarity.

“However you choose to mark Lyra’s life, please share with NUJ colleagues by tweeting a picture using the hashtag #WeStandWithLyra and post to the NUJ Facebook page.”

Details of the events are here:

Belfast – Lyra’s funeral takes place in St Anne’s Cathedral Belfast at 1pm on Wednesday 24 April followed by burial in Carnmoney cemetery. NUJ members will form a guard of honour at the funeral.

Dublin – Colleagues in Dublin on Tuesday 23 April will remember Lyra in her own words, and with music and song, at a vigil taking place at 6pm at the entrance to the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square. No party political banners. Please bring a candle.

Glasgow – To coincide with Lyra’s funeral NUJ members have organised a vigil in Glasgow for 1pm on Wednesday, at Buchanan Street Steps, Glasgow.

London – There will be a vigil in London at St Bride’s Church on Fleet Street at 1pm. The church has been dedicated as a place of vigil for the whole day.

Books of condolences will also be available at the receptions in Headland House, the NUJ’s London headquarters, and also in Dublin.

The NUJ has been supporting friends of Lyra who set up a GoFundMe account, as a practical act of solidarity to cover funeral expenses and to establish a legacy to mark Lyra’s contribution to journalism, you can donate to the fund online – https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-lyra-mckee